Mark Bouris on why he loves Australia being a multicultural place with mateship

Mark Bouris has told of the ‘treasure’ in his life that has kept him in Australia, and why he’s a massive supporter of immigration.

My father came to Australia from war-torn Greece in the 1940s and was welcomed with warmth.

Because of that I had the opportunity to live a much better life than he did as a child.

In his village, which had been occupied by the Germans, people did not have things we take for granted – running water, a toilet or a bed.

Here we lived a working-class life in the western suburbs of but, relative to where my dad had come from, it was amazing.

The conditions here are unbelievable: the weather, location – even the sports. The big one though is the level of safety. Feeling safe is a fundamental requirement for humans.

So, to me, Australia Day is an important time to remember what we have versus what could have been.

My grandfather came here before World War II. He didn’t speak any English. He was in search of a better world. That was adventurous.

Australia Day is an important time to remember what we have versus what could have been.

He set up a sandwich shop on Sussex St in the city and a restaurant opposite the George St cinemas.

He built a house and prepared the way for his family to come to Australia after the war.

My dad and his five brothers all worked in the restaurant.

People revelled in our Greek community and celebrations.

And we became passionate about things that were new to us.

Our family were the most enthusiastic rugby league supporters in the club.

We loved watching tennis and going to the beach.

Back in Greece, my dad and his family lived in the mountains.

Here we had big family picnics by the water at Cronulla. We would take our lamb and cook down there.

Today, I love going to Lakemba at the end of Ramadan. I definitely support Australia being a multicultural place.

Immigrants give Australia a broad palette of ideology, culture, food, sport, entertainment, music and appreciation for life.

You don’t see that broad palette in other countries.

Mateship is one of the primary treasures I have in my life. To me, it’s a mix of loyalty, respect and having a bit of fun. Picture: Supplied

Life in that Greek village was all about family.

Here, my dad embraced the idea of mateship – big time.

Because of his accent, he struggled a bit to correctly pronounce the word “mate”. It sounded more like “might” when he said it.

I used to think that was funny.

He developed mates through footy and other aspects of life. It’s what integration is all about.

Mateship expanded his life and it has expanded mine.

Mateship is one of the primary treasures I have in my life. To me, it’s a mix of loyalty, respect and having a bit of fun.

I think I am probably one of the luckiest people in the world.

I am so thankful and grateful that Australia opened its arms to people like my father and his brothers.

Mark Bouris is the founder of Wizard Home Loans

Originally published as Mark Bouris on why he loves Australia being a multicultural place with mateship